Theraplay

Domain V · Systemic, relational, group & community · Ann Jernberg · 1967 · Chicago, USA

What it is

Theraplay is a structured, adult-led, attachment-based play therapy for a child and parent(s) together. It was developed by clinical psychologist Ann Jernberg at the Chicago Head Start programme in the late 1960s; she founded the Theraplay Institute in 1971. Its stated aims are to enhance…

Format

• Format. Conjoint child + caregiver(s) sessions, weekly, 45–60 minutes (shorter for younger children), sometimes more than weekly in severe cases. A two-therapist model (one working with the child, one with the parent) is used where possible. Ages 0–18; typical referrals include attachment…
• Length. Sources differ; name the one you follow: Institute clinic protocol, 19–28 sessions in total plus four follow-up sessions across the next year; CEBC, a typical 26-session protocol over about six months, with an illustrative layout of sessions 1–20; UK school/group version evaluated by…

Who practises it, and how they are trained or regulated

• Certification and fidelity before using the name. US route: degree (master's/doctorate) in a mental health field and licensure for independent practice (associates may practise under supervision); Level One Theraplay & MIM training (4 days, about 25 contact hours); supervised practicum in three tiers (Foundational 8 hours, Intermediate 16 hours, full Certified Theraplay Practitioner 24 hours). Fidelity: recorded…
• Version followed: Theraplay Institute (Evanston, IL) Level One Theraplay & MIM model as set out in Booth & Jernberg (2010), Theraplay, 3rd ed. (publisher sample: front matter, introduction and opening of Chapter 1) and the Institute clinic's published treatment protocol; CEBC programme profile for structure, training and fidelity. The Institute-endorsed Norris & Lender (2020) Theraplay – The Practitioner's Guide is…
• Theraplay is a structured, adult-led, attachment-based play therapy for a child and parent(s) together. It was developed by clinical psychologist Ann Jernberg at the Chicago Head Start programme in the late 1960s; she founded the Theraplay Institute in 1971. Its stated aims are to enhance attachment, increase self-regulation and promote trust and joyful engagement. Sessions are fun, physical, personal and…

Questions to explore with your client

• What drew you to it, and what are you hoping it will change?
• Is there physical contact? Was it explained beforehand, and do you feel free to say no or stop at any point?
• Does it involve any substance, plant preparation, remedy or supplement? Has your doctor or prescriber been told, especially about any medication you take?
• Does it involve fasting, a special diet or 'detox'? Have you discussed this with your doctor?
• Is it a group, retreat or community? How do they respond if someone wants to leave or raises a concern?
• Who runs it, and what training or registration do they hold?
• What actually happens in a session or meeting, and how often?
• What does it cost, and is there pressure to commit to more?
• How do you feel afterwards, in the hours and days that follow?
• Does it fit with, or clash with, the work we do here?

What practitioners of it watch for

• in groups, check every child's consent to touch and give non-touch alternatives.
• parental shame. If a parent becomes defensive, slow down and return to strengths.
• embarrassment; keep it light and private, and do not push nurture a teen experiences as babyish.
• the child becoming selective with staff, jealousy among staff, regression when the key worker is away.
• parents using play as a reward or withdrawing it as punishment; using too much structure or correction.

When to involve someone else

• New or worsening physical symptoms, or advice to stop or change prescribed medication: involve the client's doctor or prescriber.
• Signs of coercion, isolation from family and friends, escalating costs or secrecy: discuss openly and consider safeguarding.
• A crisis or thoughts of suicide: follow your crisis protocol. In the US, call or text 988; in the UK and Ireland, Samaritans on 116 123.

Drawn automatically from the guide's own sections. Stay curious: neither endorse nor dismiss what the client values, and check anything that matters against the full guide and its sources. Not medical advice.